Charges laid after firework launched at police drone

April 22, 2025

A Thunder Bay resident is facing charges after launching a firework at a police drone during an active missing person search.

On Sunday April 20, 2025, members of the Thunder Bay Police Service were using a drone to assist in locating a missing person.

 

During the operation, a nearby resident expressed concern about the drone to an officer on the ground and was informed that it was a police-operated drone being used as part of the investigation. Despite this information, the individual proceeded to set up, ignite, and launch a firework directly at the drone. The drone operator was able to take evasive action, successfully avoiding damage and preventing a potentially dangerous crash over a residential area.

 

The individual was identified and arrested.

 

A 54-year-old Thunder Bay man has been charged with Obstruct Police and Damage to Aircraft. The accused was released with an appearance notice and a future court date.

 

Drones are classified as aircraft under Canadian law and must be treated as such. Interfering with a police drone — particularly during an operational deployment — poses a serious risk to public safety and undermines critical law enforcement efforts.

 

While some residents may feel uncomfortable with drones operating near their homes, there are no legal restrictions preventing drones from flying over private property. When conducting exigent operational missions, such as missing person or suspect searches, drones may traverse residential areas. The Thunder Bay Police Service makes every reasonable effort to respect personal privacy, and in many cases, the drone is observing areas from a distance rather than directly beneath it. There is no circumstance in which attempting to interfere with a police drone is acceptable.

 

Drones are a vital tool in modern policing and are regularly deployed in a range of operations, with their use in missing person searches among the most critical.

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Tree of Hope Shines Bright in Honour of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ People

November 16, 2025
The Thunder Bay Police Service (TBPS) and community members gathered tonight for the annual Tree of Hope Lighting Ceremony at TBPS headquarters. This solemn and symbolic event honours Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. Now in its seventh year, the Tree of Hope began in Thunder Bay in 2019, inspired by the vision and determination of recently retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. Recognizing the need to bring awareness to the national crisis of violence against Indigenous women and girls, Bourdeau worked with community partners to light the first Tree of Hope outside Thunder Bay Police Service headquarters. Since then, the initiative has grown beyond the city—embraced by police services and communities across Ontario and beyond. In 2024, the TBPS brought the Tree of Hope to Parliament Hill, symbolizing unity, empathy, and national awareness. “This gathering is deeply meaningful to our Service and to our community,” said TBPS Chief Darcy Fleury. “It’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to reaffirm our commitment to awareness and action in response to the tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and 2SLGBTQ+ people. The Tree of Hope stands as a reminder of that responsibility and as part of our journey toward Truth and Reconciliation.” Each light on the Tree represents a life—one of the more than 1,200 to 5,000 Indigenous women and girls who are missing or have been murdered in Canada. “When I began this project, it was a small, grassroots effort,” said retired Constable Sharlene Bourdeau. “Since then, I’ve watched it grow and be embraced by communities across Ontario. Each new partnership spreads the light further—and with it, the belief that change is possible and that justice can prevail.” Remarks were shared by Fort William First Nation Chief Michelle Solomon; Ontario Native Women’s Association CEO Cora McGuire-Cyrette; President of the Métis Nation of Ontario Thunder Bay Regional Council Wendy Houston; and City of Thunder Bay Mayor Ken Boshcoff. The ceremony included prayers by Elder Celina Reitberger, traditional songs and drumming introduced by Elder Rita Fenton, and the lighting of the Tree of Hope by Elder Linda Barkman. The Tree of Hope continues to symbolize remembrance, resilience, and hope. It stands as both a tribute and a call to action—to work together toward safety, understanding, and justice for Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit people.